Celebrating Modern Jewish Living Through Food, Tradition, and Family


Just what your gefilte fish is waiting for.
The Backstory: What a funny name for a sauce. Nowhere does a horse have anything to do with this sauce. Radishes do not need any explanation. The only logic that I can think of[…]-READ-MORE>

Poached pears in fruit juice is an elegant ending to any holiday or Shabbat meal and it takes only minutes to make.
The Backstory: This delicious dessert is a perfect choice for the High Holidays, a special occasion, or anytim[…]-READ-MORE>

Purple plum torte is juicy, sweet, and slightly tart. The buttery crust is a perfect balance to the fruit and the torte makes a gorgeous presentation.
The Backstory: This delicious plum torte comes to you from my dear friend, […]-READ-MORE>

Creamy potatoes layered over zesty beef in a savory tomato sauce make Mom’s Shepherd’s Pie comfort food the whole family will enjoy.
The Backstory: Shepherd Pie, is one of my mom’s Summer Specials. That is the only time she […]-READ-MORE>

This crusty traditional old-fashioned rye bread is loaded with caraway seeds and tastes just like it came like from a Brooklyn bakery.
The Backstory: Old-fashioned rye bread was one of my mom’s favorite breads. But how she lik[…]-READ-MORE>

Watch your guests devour this luscious and creamy cake–you won’t have a single slice left.
The Backstory: My girlfriend, Lorraine, swears by this cheesecake. She used to make it all the time. I have yet to sample hers, but sh[…]-READ-MORE>

The Backstory: Chef’s Salad is one of the easiest dishes to prepare and also one of the most satisfying. It can be made with just about anything you have in your refrigerator.and pantry. Sometimes I make this with leftover ro[…]-READ-MORE>

Invite your friends over for this delicious aromatic cake and a steaming cup of coffee.
The Backstory: Gloria and I met in 1986. We were each on a vacation with our husbands in the Dominican Republic. I must write about the […]-READ-MORE>

This creamy, rich, and decadent blue cheese dressing is perfect on everything from salads to baked potatoes to crudite party veggies.
The Backstory: Okay, okay, blue cheese isn’t exactly Jewish–I get it. But let’s face it–th[…]-READ-MORE>

Sweet tomatoes, poached eggs, and delicious herbs and spices are the hallmarks of Shakshouka, a popular Israeli dish that’s perfect at any meal.
The Backstory: I first had this deliciously savory egg and tomato dish at my in-[…]-READ-MORE>

No matter how fancy or casual your party, the fun doesn’t start without homemade pigs in a blanket–a traditional fan favorite!
The Backstory: Let’s be honest with each other: no matter how fancy the shindig or how high-end the […]-READ-MORE>

Kosher spinach salad is American classic with a slight makeover–mock bacon bits keep it Kosher and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
The Backstory: If only I had the true recipe for this salad. Do wishes come true? The f[…]-READ-MORE>